“Damn.” Clary flung her door open and ran for all she was worth. Jesse was doubled up on the cement.
“Ah, fuck,” Jesse groaned, and turned over. “What the…Clary?”
“Jesus, Jesse.”
“Those are the kids that have been breaking into houses. Shit, I’m hurt.” She spit blood out onto the street.
“The last one hit you. I think he had a long stick or piece of metal.” Clary held Jesse down. “Lie still.” She looked back at Jesse’s police car, the red, white, and blue lights still throbbing. “Tell me what to do.”
Jesse rattled off a number and Clary dialed and explained the call. “Your mouth is bleeding,” Clary said, seeing foamy blood on Jesse’s mouth.
“Call Piper,” Jesse said and began to cough.
Clary dialed again and talked with Piper. The street filled with cop cars, and they had Jesse into an ambulance, fast. Someone else turned off the flashing lights and drove Jesse’s squad car away. Two policemen walked down the street and two more down the alley where Clary had seen the kids disappear. She started back to her car.
“Clary?” Howie called out from behind her. “What happened?”
“I was on my way home from the day care, and saw Jesse running. Her police car was blocking the street. One of them hit her with something, a long stick or pole, and then disappeared down that alley.”
Howie looked down the street. “How young were they? Take a guess.”
“Boys and girls, somewhere around twelve, thirteen, but the boy that hit her looked older. She said they were the group that’s been breaking into houses.”
“Meet me at the ER, and I’ll buy the coffee. Does Piper know?”
“I called her,” Clary said over her shoulder going to her car.
St. Cat’s ER was noisy. In all the years she’d lived here, she’d never been in the hospital this much. It had been three times already and it was only the first week of July. Head down and hurrying, she almost ran into a doctor.
“Clary?” Dr. Bergs skidded to a stop. “Why are you here?”
“With Jesse. I was on my way home, saw it all, and called the police.”
“I’m seeing her right now. Wait there.” The doctor pointed at a chair and moved away fast.
Clary collapsed onto one of the blue plastic chairs, feeling as if she were part of some made-for-TV cop show. She frowned. How long had it been since she’d watched TV? Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen a TV or computer in Leefe’s house.
For a woman who said nothing about herself, Leefe had said a lot tonight. They may have had parallel lives in South Port but the difference was enormous.
Clary moved her legs so two nurses with a gurney could get by, and her mind trudged along. Sitting in Leefe’s lap had been dreamy. She could give her lots of moonlight nights. A ride in the boat under the moon would be nice.
Piper was suddenly beside her. Clary stood.
“Where is she?” Piper’s face was still sleepy, but her eyes were focused and dark. “Tell me again what happened.”
Clary put her arm around Piper, moving her toward the cops in the hallway, and told her what she’d seen. Howie came out of the exam room, saw them, and moved everyone aside so Piper could get through.
“Something’s hurt, but I’m going to let the doctor explain that.”
Piper took a deep breath and he took her inside. Clary could hear Dr. Berg’s voice, and Jesse’s short, low answers.
“Let’s go. I’ll buy the coffee,” Howie said.
The cafeteria was quiet, almost empty, and Clary found a table by the door. Howie went to the counter as her phone rang.
“Are you home?” Leefe said instead of hello.
“You won’t believe this,” Clary said, and told the story one more time.
“What the heck,” Leefe said over a surprised breath.
“Piper’s with her now. Something has to be hurt, from the way that kid hit her. She was running full out,” she said as Howie sat at the table. “I’m in the St. Cat’s cafeteria, about to have coffee with Howie.” She stopped, realizing something. “You know what? Those kids looked like the ones we saw in the alley by Devi’s place.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Be sure and tell Howard that I know them. Do you need anything? I can get someone to cover for me and run down there.”
“No, but I’ll call you tomorrow. You’ve got your hands full and need to rest. Sleep tight, love.” Clary bit her lip and looked away. She hadn’t meant to say that.
There was a space of silence. “You too,” Leefe finally said. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
She tucked her phone in her bag and met Howie’s eyes.
He raised his eyebrows and grinned.
Clary stirred sugar into coffee that resembled syrup. “How’s it going with Devi’s brother?”
“Good. I’ve always liked him and so does the wife. My little boy thinks he’s the best thing since gummy bears. I’ve coached him in inter-city programs for the last few years and know the father. That man tried, Clary. He tried a lot.” Howie took a sip of coffee and made a face. “This is awful. Would you rather have water?”
“Yes.” Clary had taken a sip. It was awful. “Is the brother like Devi?” she said when he brought two bottles of water back to the table.
“He’s quiet. He’s almost thirteen and knows he’s had a bad start, but he likes being at the house. He’d gotten into one of the local kid-gangs, but we got him turned around. My wife is going to spoil him rotten, take my word for it, and I’m pretty sure my oldest girl, who’s the same age, thinks he’s cute.” He stared at the water. “There’s something else about the father. I love my wife, and we’re a good team, but if she’d done drugs, or had another man in front of the kids…” Howie stopped. “I wouldn’t have killed her, but it would have made me crazy.”
“Families and children make you do things you never thought you’d do,” Clary said. “You know what happened to me in Iowa, don’t you?”
“Jesse told me.” He nodded, but frowned. “What’s wrong with Jesse? When we were young, she was overprotective but never this angry. She’s not easy to work with these days.”
“We’ve argued constantly since I’ve been home.” She took a drink of water. “It’s a good thing all of you, including Jesse, are doing with the homeless.”
“I wish you were here permanently, Clary. We need brains and energy in this town. When you and I grew up, none of this was happening, and I honestly don’t know where this town’s going from where it is now.”
“I would if I could,” Clary said. It was true, not just something to say.
Howie ran his hands through his hair. “But I can still wish. We went down there, where Devi’s family lived. You wouldn’t believe it, Clary.”
“I was there too, after we were at the police station with you, and that reminds me. I think the kids that hurt Jesse were down there at Devi’s that night. Leefe said to tell you that she knows them.”
“I know that group too,” Howie said, staring out into space, but then shot a mischievous look her way. “Were you talking to Leefe and said love?”
Clary started to laugh. “You’re worse than Jesse. I’m not telling.”
“I know you were fishing out on the lake.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake. As big as this town is, I can’t do one thing without everyone noticing.”
“Also, you posed at the community center last night. Clothed, I presume.”
“I have the sketches in the car to prove that I was clad.”
“When Leefe commits to something, she brings everything to the table. The kids at day care are lucky to have her, and so is this town. What’s she going to do about Devi? My wife and I would have gladly gone for adoption, but the boy didn’t want that. He thinks his father won’t be in jail. You and I know better, but I think the father will get a lenient sentence, given the circumstance. Still, the mother’s dead.”
“I advised Leefe to talk with Beverly and get a lawye
r.”
“Want a recommendation for a lawyer?”
Clary rummaged in her bag for paper and pen. “Go ahead.” She took the woman’s name and number. A cop called for Howie, and Clary watched them walk away. This whole scene was unreal. She’d come home to South Port, lost. But in the weeks that had followed, everything had turned around, flip-flopped on her. She’d fallen in love, and—no. Love? Her heart raced and she took a huge drink of water.
Howie had said that Leefe brought everything to the table. She’d never doubted Leefe. The person she doubted was herself. She had to be cautious, for both of them.
“Are you all right?” Piper’s voice cut into her thoughts.
“How’s Jesse?”
Piper sank down into the chair opposite of her. “It could have been a lot worse. The doctor said a sprained knee. Did she hit the curb? There’s a huge bruise across her stomach where that kid hit her. That means time off, crutches, and an even-grouchier woman on the living room couch. The doctor said to expect lots of pain. They’re going to keep her here tonight because of the stomach thing, to make sure she’s not bleeding inside.” Piper slowly laid her head on her arms. “School’s beginning and…God, I’m tired.”
“Consider me yours for as long as you need. I’ll stay at your house and put up with Osama bin Laden, and give you time to teach. I don’t think you can do both. All I have to do is keep an occasional eye on Mojo’s. Put me where you need me.”
Piper’s head was still on her arms, her shoulders shaking. Clary got up and then realized Piper wasn’t crying. She was laughing.
“Oh wow, Osama bin Laden. Where’d you come up with that?” She stood, still grinning. “The doctor told me to go home, and that’s where I’m headed. Want to come with me in the morning and pick her up? You can drive her car home from the police station.”
Clary grabbed her bag and they left together.
Chapter Twenty-five
Clary cleaned the kitchen while Piper negotiated a shower with Jesse. She hung the dishtowel on the rack. The last time she’d done dishes here, the family had been in the living room with the police, discussing Sharon. The pipes to the upstairs bathroom rattled, and Clary looked at the ceiling. That hadn’t changed.
She and Piper had been efficient, but Jesse simply slept most of the time. The doctor had explained the sprained knee and, although Jesse had some ugly bruising on her stomach, nothing internal had shown up. However, there would be crutches and pain pills until the doctor said otherwise.
She grabbed her phone and went out the back door to the patio to call Leefe. They hadn’t talked since she’d given her the name of the lawyer. She drew in a breath. All right, she really missed her. The call went to voice mail so she disconnected, paced around the patio, and then sat on the deck for a few minutes. She tried again, but Leefe’s voice mail kicked in again, and she left a message. Piper called from the upstairs window, and she went inside for the ice pack.
After they got Jesse in bed, they sat at the kitchen table, talking about Piper’s day at school. Piper looked so tired that Clary only listened, letting her run down. Finally, she said, “Why don’t you go upstairs, take a bath, and go to bed? I’ll lock up and come back early in the morning so you can hit school, fresh and rested.”
“I hate Jesse’s pain and that job. For that matter, I may just hate my job,” Piper said with a weary smile. “Thanks,” she called out as she went up the stairs. “Clary, what have you heard from Leefe?”
“Nothing. I can’t reach her.”
“Something’s going on with the local shelters. I heard a piece of conversation as I left the school this afternoon and just remembered it.” She went on up the stairs. “Let me know what you find out, will you?”
Clary locked up the house and walked toward Maureen’s, the street as familiar as breathing. There weren’t many trees on this street she hadn’t climbed. She searched the big tree above her just as her phone rang.
“Where are you?” Leefe said.
“Walking toward Maureen’s, on my way home from Piper’s.” She’d give anything to see Leefe tonight. “Where are you?”
“I came home for a shower and a change of clothes and don’t have much time. Can we meet at Mojo’s? I haven’t eaten.” A loud crash sounded through the telephone. “Damn. Knocked the hamper over.” Clary heard Leefe take a big breath. “I could use a ride back to the day care. Would you help?”
“I’ll order. Do you care if it’s hot dogs?”
“I’d eat dirt. See you in a few minutes.”
Clary got the food, singing along with the music at Mojo’s. She sat down just as Leefe walked to the bench.
Leefe slid in beside her and squeezed Clary’s bare leg. “I’m hungry.” She crammed a sizable bite of the hot dog into her mouth.
Clary covered Leefe’s hand with her own and scooted a little closer. It was so good to hear her and see her again. “Want another?”
“Would you?” Leefe reached for the French fries. “Please?”
This time, Clary brought back two hot dogs and more French fries and sat back to watch the mayhem. “Why are you so hungry?”
Leefe gave her a frustrated look. “You haven’t heard?”
“I’ve been unplugged, taking care of Jesse. Oh wait, Piper said she heard something about the day care at school today.”
“All hell broke loose the night Jesse was hurt. One of the Milwaukee shelters had an electrical fire, and South Port offered help. They moved families down here, but we’re jammed. We’ve fed people in shifts at three different locations, including the day care. I’ve done nothing but cook and wash dishes.” She finished the remaining hot dog with a big drink of soda. “Howie and his wife have been godsends. Beverly and two of her daughters are helping. Even Andy’s been on the food line with us.”
“Where’s everyone sleeping?”
“They’re using the big high school gym over on Forbes, by the park. At least it’s quiet at night. The best thing today? Devi. I let her peel potatoes with me this afternoon, and she was so proud. She thinks the potato peeler is magic. Today’s her birthday and she thinks her present was peeling potatoes.”
Clary laughed with Leefe. She tossed French fries at a few seagulls hanging around. They scattered with a lot of noise and then fought over the food.
Leefe finished the soda and lost the smile. “Devi’s like a little shadow. Wherever I am, there she is.” She took a deep breath. “Thanks for the name of the lawyer. I see her Friday.”
“Have you made a decision?”
“I want to talk with the lawyer first.” Suddenly brusque and distant, Leefe looked at Clary’s watch. “I have to go. They’re bringing the last group now. This is the first time I’ve been away from the day care.” Leefe looked as tired as Piper.
“How long will this last?” Clary threw the trash in the bin. “If Jesse’s doctor releases her for desk duty, I’ll come down and help.”
“They’re taking them back sometime this week, but it can’t be soon enough.” There was hurry all over Leefe. “Here you go,” Clary said when they stopped at the day care, but felt as if she was with a complete stranger. Leefe hadn’t said a word since they’d gotten into the car. She’d just stared out the window.
“Thanks.” Leefe’s impersonal glance brushed across Clary, and she got out of the car.
“Wait, when will—” Clary called after her. Leefe halfway turned, but someone called her name, and she walked away to the yellow house. A bus was running at the curb, and people stood on the lawn.
Clary watched her go into the house and sat for a moment, stunned. What had just happened? Thin, sharp nerves fired through her. Leefe had been as far away as the moon and that more-polite-than-personable was familiar. Robin had done the same thing, looked at her with that distance, and was out of the car before Clary could say a word. At the time, she’d merely wondered about it, but weeks later, she knew.
“No,” she said, gritting her teeth, but the freefall began. She knew
exactly what the beginning of an anxiety attack felt like. For the first time in months, the familiar chill crept inside. She drove to the docks and took the steps down to the river and Joe’s boat, her mood falling with each step. The therapist had warned her about moments like this. Her stomach tightened, pulse increased, and palms began to sweat. “Stupid,” she muttered.
She tossed her bag onto her boat. Without warning, she was in that dark place where she’d thrown all the bad, terrible feelings. The air was cooling rapidly, and she went through the boat’s side locker to see if there was a sweatshirt or jacket but had no luck. She remembered the hoodie in her car and started back up the steps.
“Clary,” Zip called out from above her. “Are you going out? It’s late.”
“Sun’s still up.” Clary turned, looking up at Zip.
“Barely. How’s Jesse doing?”
“This was her best day so far.”
“I just got here. Want a drink?”
Clary started to decline and then thought better of it. Zip was right. By the time she got out to the lake, she’d have to put up with the younger, faster crowd. At this moment, she couldn’t put up with anything.
“Okay, but only one. I have to be at Piper’s early in the morning.” She picked up her bag and met Zip on the deck.
“Help me turn on the lights, will you? Whiskey as usual?” Still wearing a black business suit, Zip stood at the bar, a tall, angular shadow in the gray-going-to-black night.
“I’ll help, and whiskey’s fine,” Clary said. She bent for the light switch closest to her.
They had the lights on in just a few minutes, and Zip handed her a glass. Clary sipped the whiskey and let it burn her mouth before swallowing. “Just what I needed,” she said. The despair inside edged back a few paces. “Do you have a light jacket or sweatshirt around? It’s cooling down.”
Hardwired Page 19